Page 10 of Semblance

I walked over to the piano next and lifted open the cover and pressed down lightly on the ‘C’ key in the upper octave, allowing the note to echo throughout the grandiose room.

I could seriously get used to this.

I had no idea how I was going to return to my three hundred square foot hovel after spending an evening in this glorious room. Perhaps someday, my music would allow me into the social elite and I too could enjoy the magical experience of both wealth and power.

Glancing into the mirror, I realized I looked like a poor university student with my ripped and faded jeans and ridiculously tacky t-shirt that sported a picture of a giraffe hugging a brontosaurus. God, I must have looked like such a kid.

Despite Calisto telling me to come casually and they would dress me up to the nines for the event; I still wished I wore something more presentable. But the only thing ‘dressy’ I had was my little black dress that I wore to the China White, which I hadn’t washed yet.

I strolled over to the walk-in closet and opened the door. Inside was a lavish golden mermaid gown with an elegant neckline and decorated with intricate beadwork. The dress was radiating with beauty. It was love at first sight and I tore off my ruddy clothes post-haste in order to slip into this outfit made for a goddess.

I was astounded by how well the dress fit me. Every curve was tight as the dress accentuated my best features while hiding the parts of my body I was the most self-conscious of. The dress was almost as comfortable as my yoga pants—though not quite. Along with it came a pair of matching heels, which also fit perfectly. They had my shoe size down pat as well.

Finally, there was a neat little felt box wrapped in a dainty silk bow tie, resting on top of the dresser with a note on it.

For tonight,it read.

I shrugged my shoulders and tugged on the bow lightly, unraveling it. I lifted off the cover and gasped.

Inside was a golden Venetian mask, decorated with tiny jewels that formed an intricate pattern. Despite it being a stunning piece of work, it gave me the creeps.

This was what I was supposed to wear for tonight? Was I part of some twisted party worthy of Kubrick’s imagination? I couldn’t handle something like that.

I paged the intercom, hoping to get into contact with Abraham so I could get some answers from him.

“Yes?” I heard his voice echo from the intercom speaker.

“You gave me a mask to wear for tonight,” I declared.

“Indeed I did,” he replied.

“It freaks me out.”

“Not to worry Ms. Aria,” he said calmly. “Tonight’s event has a beauty and the beast theme to it. The women are all ravishing beauties and we men are to portray silver-tongued beasts.Allthe guests will be in masks.”

“Great,” I muttered. His answer didn’t make me feel any better. I decided to come out with it. “Is this one giant secretive sex party?”

“Ah,” Abraham sighed. “I assure you, there will be no open, public sex. We are simply having a party tonight to celebrate a very important milestone for our organization. You will play the piano, grace us with your musical talents, and entertain us. In fact, you don’t even have to say a word to anyone. Your only interactions tonight would be with our marvelous piano, if that’s what you wish.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

“That sounds good to me,” I said. “Thank you for your patience while I act like a paranoid nut. I guess I’m on edge. It usually takes me a while to adapt to new situations.”

“Not a problem Ms. Aria,” Abraham said. “I always enjoy hearing from you. Your presence is…refreshing.”

I allowed Abraham to return to his preparations for the party and decided to calm myself by playing some Bach fugues on the piano.

Everything was going to be fine.

While my hands filled the room with Bach’s charming Baroque sounds, I fantasized on how tonight could unfold. I was going to go out there dressed like a Venetian Goddess, play my heart out on the piano, and then sit back and wait for my career to truly begin. It was all going to be a piece of cake.

However, hidden underneath this layer of optimism was the feeling that there was more to this night than Abraham and Calisto led on; that I was going to be a part of something big whether I wanted to or not.

#

The party started shortly before midnight, which gave me plenty of time to get ready. I started off by waxing and shaving every inch of my body, ridding myself of any stray hairs that weren’t on my head. The last thing I wanted was to come out looking like a gold-faced Sasquatch. When I was satisfied with the purge, I proceeded to curl my unruly hair into pretty little locks. Finally I applied a healthy dose of mascara and blush on my face, which was probably a waste of time since it was going to be concealed behind the golden mask anyways.

But just in case.

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